Scala Rider Q2 Review

We tested the Scala Rider Q2 by Cardo on a recent cross country trip. Our experience yields a rating of 8.5 out of 10 possible points.

The Equipment used:

Cardo Scala Rider Q2, Garmin Zumo GPS, I-Pod, Motorola mobile telephones, Arai Profile helmet, Shark Evoline helmet.

The Test:

The Q2 systems were installed in an Arai Profile and a Shark Evoline helmet and were tested in “bike to bike” fashion. 1500 miles were traveled, mostly at Interstate Highway speed. Weather conditions varied from mild to rainy and very stormy conditions.

The Results:

The Q2 met or exceeded expectations. The system is easy to install and setup. The Blue Tooth capability works well and the sound quality is amazing. Phone calls taken when using the Q2 Blue Tooth connection yielded a crisp and noise free connection for both the caller and me.

Details:

The Scala Rider Q2 comes complete with two systems for bike to bike communication although the system can serve as an intercom as well for those riding two up. The installation was easy given that the helmets we used had removable liners. Programming and set up took about one hour and the instructions are relatively good and easy to follow. The Q2 is battery powered and each head set comes with a recharger. We were in the saddle for about 8 hours a day and never ran out of battery power.

The voice actuated system worked flawlessly and truly operated hands free. One Q2 was set up with a Garmin Zumo whereby the mobile phone could be used through the touch pad on the Zumo. At one point during the ride, a relative called in with a warning about an impending storm that we were riding straight into. This caused us to stop and reevaluate our plans for continuing to ride in the rain. Fortunately, we decided to stop and the weather did indeed become too severe to ride safely.

The Q2 is plenty loud and the controls on the unit can be operated while wearing a light glove. The I-Pod was connected with a coiling type wiring device that is supplied with the Q2 kit. The sound quality for music is really quite good for listening to tunes as well as making or taking some phone calls. Intercom communications are equally good. The claimed range of 540 yards is a conservative rating. I’d estimate the range to be closer to 800 yards or one half mile. If the intercom goes out of range, one can simply use the mobile phone to call the other party given that the mobile phone has adequate signal to perform.

The FM radio function of the Q2 was a bit of a disappointment. It is tricky to use, especially on the fly. Although it scans for strong signals, the sensitivity did not seem particularly strong and radio stations faded faster than they do when travelling in my car. The radio function may be best suited to being pre-programmed and I find it works better when I’m navigating around the home turf.

We both highly recommend the Q2 to those riders who want a multi-functional communication device and feel the need to be plugged into their mobile phone while riding. The benefit of being able to communicate bike to bike certainly has obvious advantages.The Q2 can be operated safely while riding due to the hands free feature and all of the claimed functions indeed work as described. The Q2 can be a distraction and we recommend. The only points deducted were for the experience we had with the FM radio.